Decisions

Seeking approval for the procurement of a contract to support Leeds Building Services with the Electrical Rewiring of Communal Areas and upgrading of CCTV, to Housing Properties in the east region of the city. The initial contract will be for up to 12 months, with the option to extend for a further 6 months. The total value of the contract is £3m.

In accordance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules 3.1.6, the Director of Resources & Housing approved the use of the restricted competitive non-OJEU tendering process using Construction Line approved contractors as the procurement route to establish a contract with up to 4 contractors for a term of 8 months with the option to extend for a further 6 months, with an estimated total contract value of £2m

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report providing an update on the development of the Council’s ‘3A’s Strategy’, which focussed upon the attendance, attainment and achievement of children and young people in Leeds, and which formed part of the overall drive to support all children and young people in having a successful start in life.

Following a detailed introduction, Members welcomed the submitted report.

With regard to the Local Government Association Peer Review, as referenced in the report, it was requested that the findings from that review be shared as appropriate, to enable Members to identify positive actions in this field which they could help progress in their local communities.

It was noted that issues relating to the 3A’s Strategy were scheduled to be submitted to the Scrutiny Board (Children and Families) in the Autumn, and following a reference being made to the related issue of fixed term exclusions, it was noted that the issue of all exclusions together with related matters was also to be considered by the Scrutiny Board.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the development of the ‘3A’s Strategy’, as outlined within the submitted report and as appended, be noted;

(b)  That the comments made by the Board regarding ways in which the Council as a whole can support the Strategy, be noted;

(c)  That it be noted that the lead officer for the ‘3A’s Strategy’ is the Deputy Director for Children and Families (Learning).

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided an update on the progress made regarding the review of child safeguarding partnerships in the city and which set out the direction of travel for the future.

Responding to a Member’s enquiries, the Board was advised that arrangements were currently on track for proposals to be implemented by September 2019. Also, assurance was provided on the safeguarding measures that would continue and be built upon in terms of cross-boundary provision.

Members also highlighted the need to ensure that the effectiveness of the proposals were monitored, with agreement being given that it would be appropriate for both Executive Board and the relevant Scrutiny Board to have a role in that monitoring process.

RESOLVED – That the new arrangements, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted, with it also being noted that a further report will be providedto Executive Board on the final arrangements in the Autumn.

The Director of Adults and Health submitted a report providing an update on the development of an Integrated Market Position Statement in respect of the adult social care market. The report also sought approval of the appended Position Statement for the purposes of publication.

RESOLVED –

(a)   That the Integrated Market Position Statement, as appended to the submitted report, be approved for the purposes of publication.

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Adults and Health is responsible for the publication of this document following the Board’s approval and following the expiry of the Call In process.

Further to Minute No. 48, 25^th July 2018, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report presenting the annual progress which had been made against the Council’s Equality Improvement Priorities for 2018 – 2022. The report also outlined the reviewed, amended and completed priorities, as detailed at appendix 1 to the submitted report.

The Board noted the suggestions made in respect of the report, which were that future annual reports be submitted to the Members’ Equality Group for consideration prior to being submitted to Executive Board and that it would be useful to show comparisons in the report with those that did not have a protected characteristic when presenting relevant data.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the Equality Improvement Priorities Annual Report 2018 – 2019, as appended to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That approval be given to sign off the completed priorities for 2018/19;

(c)  That the new and amended priorities for 2019/20, be approved;

(d)  That a further report on such matters be submitted to the Board in July 2020;

(e)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities and Environment is responsible for the implementation of decisions made by Executive Board in respect of the submitted report.

Request for authority to spend to create 105 additional pupil places (including provision for 8 SEN pupils) through the expansion of Beeston Hill St Lukes C of E Primary School.

Further to Minute No. 161, 21^st March 2018, the Director of Children and Families submitted a report which provided background information in respect to the proposed expansion at Beeston Hill St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, and which sought approval to incur expenditure necessary to support the proposed project and provided further context in respect of any associated risk and cost implications.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the necessary ‘authority to spend’ on the Learning Places Programme for Beeston Hill St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, at a total value of £4,295,000 and as detailed within the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the expenditure of £4,295,000 from capital scheme number 32737/BEE/000 for the construction work and associated fees for the expansion of Beeston Hill St Luke’s Church of England Primary School, which is necessary to enable occupation from September 2020, be approved;

(c)  That the estimated scheme cost of £4,295,000 be noted, which includes: £3,220,000 for construction works, professional fees and survey costs of £485,000, £75,000 for loose furniture & equipment to support the expansion to 2 Form Entry and the setting up of Primary and Secondary SEN (Special Educational Needs) provision, £515,000 for supporting costs, together with a client held contingency commensurate to the scale and complexity of the project;

(d)  That it be noted that the officers responsible for the implementation of such matters are the Head of Service Learning Systems and the Head of Projects and Programmes, Asset Management & Regeneration, and that the necessary authority be delegated to those officers to enable them to enter into all other agreements required to deliver this project.

Outcome of consultation and request to approve funding to permanently increase learning places at Horsforth School (Academy) from September 2022.

The Director of Children and Families submitted a report which presented a proposal brought forward to meet the Local Authority’s duty to ensure a sufficiency of school places. Specifically, the submitted report detailed the outcomes from a consultation exercise regarding a proposal to expand secondary school provision at Horsforth School and which sought a decision to fund the delivery of a scheme which would create the additional learning places required.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the outcome of the consultation undertaken on the proposal to permanently expand Horsforth School from a capacity of 1125 to 1425 students by increasing the admission number in year 7 from 225 to 285, with effect from September 2022, be noted;

(b)  That the outcome of initial feasibility work, be noted, and that provisional approval be granted for the authority to spend (ATS) of £4.8m to deliver the proposed permanent expansion at Horsforth School;

(c)  That it be noted that the implementation of the proposals detailed are subject to funding being agreed based upon the outcome of further detailed design work and planning applications, as indicated at section 4.4.1 of the submitted report, with it also being noted that the proposal has been brought forward in time for places to be delivered for 2022;

(d)  That it be noted that the Head of Learning Systems is the responsible officer for the implementation of such matters.

Executive Board will be requested to:

- Note the findings of the Council’s research and confirmed by the current call for evidence; and

- Approve the decision to use the Creative and Digital workspace fund to support projects which enable not-for-profit organisations to refurbish and secure the long term future of affordable workspace for creative industries in City Centre/ City fringe locations.

The Director of City Development submitted a report regarding the results of independent market research which had been undertaken into the provision of workspace for the creative and digital sector in the city centre/city fringe. The report sought approval for a number of investments which would look to sustain and enhance the provision of creative workspace in locations where this provision was considered to be at risk.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on the ways in which those creative businesses identified in the report would encourage Inclusive Growth within the communities where they were located in line with the Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy.

Following consideration of Appendix 2 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which was considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the findings of the Council’s research together with the feedback received from the recent ‘call for evidence’, which had been undertaken, be noted;

(b)  That approval be given for the decision to use the Creative and Digital Workspace Fund to support projects which enable the not-for-profit sector to refurbish and secure the long term future of affordable workspace for creative industries in city centre / city fringe locations;

(c)  That subject to the information contained within exempt Appendix 2 to the submitted report, approval in principle be given for the Council’s support for the first three projects: namely, Leeds Media Centre; the Leeds Arts Hostel and Hope House, as follows:-

(i) Leeds Media Centre: To provide a grant of £800,000 to the Council’s operator, Unity Property Services Limited, (with £300,000 allocated from the Creative and Digital Workspace Fund and £500,000 funded directly by the Council), which will be offset by an increase to the rent paid to the Council by the Unity Property Services Limited. Unity Property Services Limited will then use this £800,000 capital contribution as match funding to deliver a £1.6m refurbishment and reconfiguration of the premises;

(ii) Leeds Arts Hostel: To provide up to £150,000 grant to East Street Arts to support the strategic relocation of the Leeds Arts Hostel to Mabgate;

(iii) Hope House: To provide up to £450,000 grant to Music and Arts Production Leeds in order to secure the long term future of Hope House as a creative workspace and as a contribution towards the proposed refurbishment;

(d)  That it be noted that the Director for City Development will be responsible for the implementation of the resolutions, as detailed above;

(e)  That based on resolution (c)(i-iii) above, approval be given for the necessary authority to be delegated to the Director of City Development to enable the Director to finalise the detailed terms before entering into the new contracts and funding agreements associated with Leeds Media Centre, the Leeds Arts Hostel and Hope House;

(f)  That it be noted that the Director for City Development will seek to support further requests for assistance to sustain and improve the provision of creative workspace through the remaining £100,000 in the Creative and Digital Workspace Fund and the remaining funds in the Tech Hub Fund;

(g)  That approval be given for the decisions taken by Executive Board in respect of resolutions (c)(i) and (c)(iii) above, to be exempted from the Call In process, for the reasons of urgency, as set out in paragraphs 4.5.5 - 4.5.8 of the submitted report, with it being noted that resolution (c)(ii) (above) will remain eligible for Call In.

(The Council’s Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rules state that a decision may be declared as being exempt from the Call In process by the decision taker if it is considered that any delay would seriously prejudice the Council’s, or the public’s interests. In line with this, resolutions (c)(i) and (c)(iii) (above) were exempted from the Call In process, as per resolution (g) above, and for the reasons as detailed within sections 4.5.5 – 4.5.8 of the submitted report)

This report to Executive Board brings forward proposals for the Council to facilitate the delivery of a new dedicated TV and Film Studio in Leeds.

The Director of City Development submitted a report which outlined plans to develop a new large scale Film and TV studio in the city, located on Whitehall Road to the west of the city centre, which would look to deliver a significant increase in capacity to film high end TV and feature films in the city.

The submitted report set out several options regarding the Council’s potential involvement in progressing this matter, with the report proposing that actions be taken in line with Option 3, as follows:-

Option 1: The Council designing and constructing a new facility at a new site;

Option 2: The Council taking a head lease of the Polestar site and financing the fit out works for an operator;

Option 3: The Council facilitating the delivery of a studio through a property transaction and a loan;

Option 4: No Council involvement.

Following consideration of Appendices 2, 3 and 4 to the submitted report designated as being exempt from publication under the provisions of Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4(3), which were considered in private at the conclusion of the meeting, it was

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the positive response from the Film / TV sector following the Channel 4 announcement be welcomed, and that the progress being made to maximise the economic benefits associated with Channel 4 locating to the city, be noted;

(b)  That agreement be given for the Council to take steps to facilitate the delivery of a new TV and Film studio at the former Polestar Petty Factory at Whitehall Road, with the economic and regeneration benefits of the Council doing so, being noted;

(c)  That agreement be given for the Director of City Development, in consultation with the Chief Officer (Financial Services), the Executive Member for Resources and the Leader of the Council:-

(i)  To develop and enter into a head lease with NIB Pension Fund, as per the principles and Heads of Terms, as contained within exempt appendices 2 and 4 of the submitted report; and

(ii)  To develop and enter into a lease and other legal agreements with Versa (Whitehall Road) Limited, as per the principles and Heads of Terms, as contained within exempt appendices 2 and 3 of the submitted report;

(d)  That agreement be given to inject £1.6m into Capital Scheme Number 33054/TVF/000 in order to finance a loan to Versa (Whitehall Road) Limited for external acoustic works; and that the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development and the Chief Officer (Financial Services) to enable the Director and Chief Officer to provide ‘authority to spend’ up to that amount in order to provide the loan, subject to the completion of legal agreements with Versa (Whitehall Road) Limited.

Executive Board will be asked to consider and approve the proposed waste strategy for the city and to receive a comprehensive updated strategy by 2021.

The Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which presented for the purposes of the Board’s approval a new waste strategy for the city, as an interim strategy until 2021.

As part of the introduction to the report, the Executive Member for Environment and Active Lifestyles highlighted the current position nationally with regard to waste, the reasons why an interim approach had been identified as the appropriate way forward and highlighted the role that the Council would play in the delivery of the city strategy.

Responding to Members’ concerns which included the speed at which the Council was progressing this issue, the Board was provided with an update on the Government’s current position on this matter and how an interim strategy for Leeds had been developed in order to provide some interim commitments and prepare for the inevitable national requirements that will follow in this area, as and when they were agreed by Government. The Board was advised that a longer term strategy would follow when the national position was clearer.

It was noted that a cross-party Member working group had been involved in the development of the interim strategy, which was alongside the consideration that Scrutiny Board (Environment, Housing and Communities) continued to give to the matter. Emphasis was also placed upon the proposed ‘Key Commitments’ of the Council which formed part of the strategy, as detailed within the report.

With regard to the actions being undertaken in respect of the refuse review, Members received an update on this, with it being noted that it had developed into a much more comprehensive piece of work, thanks to the significant contributions from the Scrutiny Board.

Following a further update on the work that continued to be undertaken in this area, it was requested that a report be submitted to a future Board providing an update on how the waste agenda had evolved in recent years, the refreshed approach being taken across the city and how the Council was developing its work with groups, such as young people, in order to harness the appetite there was for this agenda.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That in noting the contents of the submitted report, the interim waste strategy for the city, as presented at paragraph 3.5, be approved, and that a comprehensive updated waste strategy be submitted to the Board for consideration by 2021;

(b)  That a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Board providing an update on how the waste agenda had evolved in recent years, the refreshed approach being taken across the city and how the Council was developing its work with groups, such as young people, in order to harness the appetite there was for this agenda.

The One Year On report provides an update on the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy. Although the strategy is a five year plan an annual update is appropriate to showcase some of the projects being undertaken across Leeds, particularly as the last 12 months have been so productive.

Further to Minute No. 134, 19^th December 2018, the Director of City Development submitted a report presenting the appended ‘Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy: One Year On’ report, which set out the progress which had been made on the Inclusive Growth agenda over the past 12 months.

Members highlighted the importance of the business sector in the continued development of the Strategy, with a Member emphasising the Government’s national role in the stimulation of growth.

Emphasis was placed upon the need for the strategy to promote environmentally sustainable growth, in addition to it promoting inclusive growth, with the example of strong local economies being given as a way of encouraging such sustainable growth.

Members acknowledged the importance of the work being undertaken on creating bespoke performance indicators for Leeds, to ensure effective measurement of progress in this area.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report, together with the ‘Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy - One Year On’ report, as presented at Appendix A, be noted, its findings be welcomed, and that the Board’s congratulations be extended to all the people involved in delivering the projects that benefit Inclusive Growth across the city;

(b)  That agreement be given to support the new 12 ‘Big Idea Ambassadors’ initiative and also the Inclusive Growth Delivery Partnership;

(c)  That it be noted that the Director of City Development is the lead officer for the implementation of the Leeds Inclusive Growth Strategy.

Approval to the proposed City Council response; and authority to Director of City Development to finalise and submit the document to the Department for Transport.

The Director of City Development submitted a report presenting an update on HS2 Ltd.’s proposed route refinement to the Phase 2b route in Leeds, and which sought approval for the principles of the proposed City Council response to the design refinement consultation exercise being undertaken.

Responding to a Member’s comments, the Board was advised that the specific consultation exercise, as detailed within the submitted report, was being driven by the issue of cost efficiency and build ability when considering the line of route for the southern approach into Leeds station.

Also in response to a Member’s comments, it was highlighted that should any residents affected by the HS2 proposals not be able to access related information, then that should be brought to the attention of HS2 or the Council, who could raise it with HS2 on their behalf.

Responding to a Member’s concerns and comments, which included the need for the provision of high quality mitigation in affected communities, further information was provided to the Board. This included clarification on what the specific consultation exercise, as detailed within the report covered, how the Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the South Bank presented the Council’s ambition for that part of the city and how the SPD process could help to embed the Council’s vision for the line of route into the station. Following this, officers offered to provide the Member in question with a briefing on related matters.

Also, Members were advised of the active role that the Council continued to play in terms of the level of feedback and challenge it provided to HS2, where appropriate.

The Board also discussed the benefits of HS2 for the city and the region, whilst the importance of the Council continuing to monitor the national position in respect of HS2 was highlighted.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the principles of the proposed City Council response to the consultation exercise, as outlined within sections 3.9 to 3.21 of the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the necessary authority be delegated to the Director of City Development in consultation with the Executive Member for Climate Change, Transport and Sustainable Development to enable the Director to finalise and submit the Council’s formal consultation response to the HS2 Ltd. Phase 2b design refinement consultation by the consultation deadline.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

Approval to carry out detail design and construction of the measures to improve public transport benefits and create a new park and ride site at Alwoodley and expansion to the existing Temple Green park and ride. 

The Director of City Development submitted a report which provided an update on the progress of delivering significant schemes during 2019/20 under the Leeds Public Transport Investment Programme (LPTIP) programme of funding. Also, the report specifically detailed proposals regarding a new Alwoodley Park and Ride site and the expansion of the Temple Green Park and Ride site.

Responding to Members’ enquiries, the Board received further information and assurance regarding the future provision of bus services in Leeds by First Bus, which would accompany the ongoing development of related infrastructure. 

Also, the Board received further detail on the demand forecasting which was undertaken ahead of any Park and Ride proposals being made, with reassurance being provided that there was a robust case for the Alwoodley proposal.  With regard to the proposed bus service for that site, the Board received an update, with it being noted that a separate procurement exercise would be undertaken by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Members welcomed the comprehensive Climate Emergency information contained within the submitted report.

It was requested that information be submitted to Board Members in the future which presented the initial findings following the introduction of cleaner buses on selected routes.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made since April 2016 in developing proposals for the relevant projects benefiting from LPTIP funding, together with the subsequent public consultation responses received, be noted;

(b)  That the submission of a planning application for the new Alwoodley Park and Ride site be approved, and that subject to the granting of planning permission and the funding approval of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, approval also be given for the expenditure of up to £14.03m from the LPTIP Capital Programme which will carry out detail design and construction of the site;

(c)  That the submission of a planning application for the expansion of the Temple Green Park and Ride site be approved, and subject to the granting of planning permission and the funding approval of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, approval also be given for the expenditure of £5.966m (the cost of the Business Case minus the purchase of the land which has previously been approved) from the LPTIP Capital Programme which will carry out detail design and construction of the site. In addition, the Board’s approval also be given for an injection of £431,978.55 from S106 Developer Contributions;

(d)  That subject to ongoing consultation with the relevant Executive Member, as appropriate, it be noted that the Chief Officer for Highways and Transportation will be responsible for the implementation of the resolutions as outlined above.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor A Carter required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

This decision seeks authority to spend to support a programme of property acquisitions.

Further to Minute No. 22, 26^th June 2019, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which sought the necessary ‘authority to spend’ to support a new 2-3 year programme of circa 150-200 property acquisitions (and refurbishments), which followed the earlier injection into the Capital Programme at the Council meeting in February 2019. In addition, the report also sought the Board’s approval of the updated Property Purchase Policy.

Members discussed the approach and criteria being proposed. During the discussion, emphasis was placed upon the need to ensure that the buying back of a property provided value for money and was a viable investment, whilst on the other hand, a concern was also raised about ensuring that the approach was not too restrictive.

Responding to Members’ comments, emphasis was placed upon the need for any purchases to deliver value for money and enable the property to be brought up to the desired standard within the proposed ‘per property’ budget cap.  It was clarified that the approach being taken was to focus on repurchasing former Council properties which had been bought under ‘Right to Buy’ provisions and that the ‘Right of First Refusal’ protocol had been identified as the main means to achieve this.

Reference was also made to the establishment of a Local Housing Company and the benefits that that would bring when looking to address housing need in the city.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the progress made to date in terms of the property acquisitions, as set out in the submitted report, be noted, with the establishment of the project, the supporting processes, resources and the governance arrangements also being noted;

(b)  That ‘Authority to Spend’ of £22.5m to the Council Housing Growth Programme which will support a new 2-3 year programme of c.150-200 property acquisitions (and refurbishments), following the injection of the Capital required at February 2019 Full Council, be granted, and that the Board’s support also be provided for any funding bids which are required to optimise the funding mix for these acquisitions;

(c)  That it be noted that the acquisitions (and refurbishments) will be funded via a combination of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) funding, blended with either retained ‘Right to Buy’ receipts or Homes England Grant;  and that the necessary authority to approve the final funding mix for the acquisition (and refurbishment costs) be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing;

(d)  That the current budget cap of £145,000 per property, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted, and that the necessary authority to amend this in line with future fluctuations in housing prices be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing;

(e)  That the updated Property Purchase Policy, as presented at Appendix A to the submitted report, be approved, and that the implementation of the Policy be delegated to the Director of Resources and Housing.

(Under the provisions of Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillor Golton required it to be recorded that he abstained from voting on the decisions referred to within this minute)

(During the Board’s consideration of this item Councillor A Carter left the meeting. At this point, under the provisions of Executive and Decision Making Procedure Rule 3.1.6, Councillor A Lamb was invited to attend the remainder of the meeting on behalf of Councillor A Carter)

Further to Minute No. 38, 25^th July 2018, the Director of Communities and Environment submitted a report which provided an annual update on migration activity being delivered both on a citywide level and also with supported migrant populations in Leeds. The report also provided an update on key migration population trends in the past year and on national policy changes, specifically on the approach in place to support EU citizens living in Leeds obtain settled status.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the annual update on migration activity taking place in Leeds, as detailed within the submitted report, be received and endorsed;

(b)  That it be noted that the Director of Communities and Environment and the Executive Member for Communities are responsible for leading this work through the Council’s ‘Stronger Communities’ Programme, with it also being noted that the Chief Officer (Communities) is responsible for leading on the work of the Leeds Strategic Migration Board;

(c)  That a further update on the progress being made in this area be submitted to the Board in July 2020.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report providing an update on the Council’s Capital Programme 2019/20 – 2022/23, as at Quarter 1 of the current financial year.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That an injection of £373.8k in relation to Capital Receipts, which will be utilised by Ward Councillors under the Capital Receipts Incentive Scheme (CRIS) as detailed at Appendix C to the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That the latest position on the General Fund and HRA Capital Programmes, as detailed within the submitted report, be noted;

(c)  That it be noted that resolution (a) above, regarding the injection of £378.3k of funding will be implemented by the Chief Officer (Financial Services).

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report which presented the projected financial health position of the Authority following the first quarter of the financial year.

Members welcomed the report’s recommendation to submit proposals to the September Executive Board meeting to address the projected overspend within the Children and Families directorate.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information regarding the budget pressure within the Children and Families directorate which related to Children’s Centre fee income, with Members receiving detail on the important role played by the centres and the actions being taken in Leeds regarding the early years offer provided. Further to this, it was requested that information be submitted to a future Board which presented Leeds’ position regarding the provision and take up of key Children’s Services during the current challenging financial climate, when compared with other Local Authorities.

The Board also received further information regarding the currently projected overspend in the waste management service, which it was noted in part related to the ongoing refuse review being undertaken, with the key role of Scrutiny in that review process being highlighted.  It was further highlighted that despite the current projected overspend in waste, overall the directorate was projecting a balanced budget.

Members also discussed the nature of the monthly financial health monitoring report to the Board, the strategic level of data it presented to Members, which it was noted could be supplemented with Member briefings where appropriate, and the key role the report played in helping the Executive regularly monitor the financial position of the Authority.  In relation to this, emphasis was also placed upon the work which continued to be undertaken behind such budgetary data by officers who looked to ensure that the Council’s services were provided as effectively as possible.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the projected financial position of the Authority as at Quarter 1 of the financial year, be noted;

(b)  That the Director of Children and Families be requested to identify proposals to address the projected overspend in that directorate, with such proposals being incorporated into the next Financial Health Monitoring report to be submitted to Executive Board in September 2019;

(c)  That information be submitted to a future Board which presented Leeds’ position regarding the provision and take up of key Children’s Services during the current challenging financial climate, when compared with other Local Authorities.

The Chief Officer (Financial Services) submitted a report presenting the Council’s updated Medium Term Financial Strategy which had been extended to cover the five year period 2020/21 – 2024/25 for the Board’s approval.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board noted that the capital programme was an area that would continue to be monitored and robustly reviewed. Members welcomed the clear presentation in the report of the current position regarding the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP). Also, it was noted that the approach being taken in regard to the MRP had been previously agreed at full Council, and in response to a Member, it was highlighted that the effective management of the Council’s assets was a key consideration, including any assets deemed to be surplus.

Members also highlighted the importance of the Leeds’ Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) bid, and the significant impact that a successful bid would have upon the city.

Responding to a Member’s comments, the Board was advised that the Council would continue to liaise with, and make representations to Government on key issues, such as looking to gain the latest information on funding opportunities and policy, whilst further detail on the Local Government Funding Settlement was awaited.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the 2020/21 – 2024/25 Medium Term Financial Strategy for both General Fund services and the Housing Revenue Account, as detailed within the submitted report, be approved;

(b)  That it be noted that the budget saving proposals to address the estimated budget gaps will be brought to Executive Board in advance of the Initial Budget Proposals to be received by Executive Board in December 2019;

(c)  That it be noted that the Chief Officer (Financial Services) will be responsible for the implementation of the resolutions arising from the submitted report;

(d)  That the adoption of the revenue and capital principles, as set out in Annex 1 to the submitted report, which must be complied with in respect of the arrangements for the financial management of both the Revenue budget and the Capital Programme, be approved.

Further to Minute No. 179, 18^th April 2018, the Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report which reviewed the Council’s performance in respect of health, safety and wellbeing matters over the period 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019. The report provided related assurances where appropriate, highlighted the improvements which had been made in this area and identified the challenges ahead.

In presenting the report, the Executive Member for Resources highlighted that he had requested that further work be undertaken on the increase in verbal / physical assaults upon Council staff, as detailed within the annual report.

RESOLVED – That the contents of the submitted report be noted, with it being recognised that a robust, yet proportionate approach to risk management within the Council continues to be applied.

To consider the decision on the preferred option for the future of the two Highways high rise blocks, following the completion of an options appraisal. The council owns and manages these council housing blocks in the Killingbeck area of east Leeds. These are each ten storeys, have a total of 120 homes, and are of Reema Large Panel System (LPS) construction from the early 1960s. The blocks are known to have structural issues and, although they are safe to live in currently, they have exceeded their original design life and require significant investment to bring them up to the standards required by both the council and national guidance. We want everyone to be able to live in good quality homes and are committed to improving quality and standards.

The options appraisal has looked principally at either refurbishing the blocks, or demolishing the site to redevelop with new council housing. Factors considered include alignment with council policies and plans, as well as the financial case - including capital costs, net present value over 30 years, and return on investment and the payback period.

A decision to suspend new lettings, and start re-housing existing residents has already been taken (April 2019). This was the result of recognition that it was not possible to identify a workable refurbishment solution that would allow residents to stay in their homes whilst any works were carried out, given the scale and length of disruption involved.

The Director of Resources and Housing submitted a report on proposals regarding the future of the two Highways housing high rise blocks in Killingbeck, Leeds. The report outlined how the blocks had exceeded their original design life and required significant investment to bring them up to the standards that the Council wished for its residents.

The submitted report and the appended options appraisal document set out several potential options for progressing this matter, as follows, with Option 3 being recommended to the Board:-

Option 1: Clearance and demolition over the next ten years;

Option 2: Clearance and demolition of the site;

Option 3: Clearance and demolition and redevelopment of the site with new build Council homes;

Option 4: Refurbishment of the blocks.

Responding to a Member’s enquiry, the Board received further information on how the proposal to demolish the site and replace with new build properties was more financially and environmentally sustainable over a 60 year period than the proposal to refurbish the existing buildings. It was also highlighted that the building of new properties enabled the standard of accommodation to be improved in line with the Council’s ambitions.

Confirmation was provided that consultation had been undertaken with the local Ward Councillors and the tenants who were supportive of the proposals.

Members’ comments regarding the Climate Emergency text within the submitted report and the need for more comprehensive information to be added in future was acknowledged. It was highlighted that such comments would be taken into consideration when drafting future Board reports, however, it was emphasised that Leeds was one of the first Council’s to routinely incorporate such information into its Executive reports. Also, it was noted that some subject areas were currently easier to provide a forecast or measure potential impact than others, a situation which would evolve as research in this field developed.

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the submitted report and the appended options appraisal document be noted;

(b)  That the properties of 62-121 Highways, Killingbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 6AS and 1-61 Highways, Killingbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 6AT be declared as being surplus to requirements;

(c)  That the Board’s agreement be given to take out of charge the properties of 62-121 Highways, Killingbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 6AS and 1-61 Highways, Killingbeck, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS14 6AT;

(d)  That the Board’s agreement be given for the buildings on the site to be safely demolished, thus creating a clear site for future use;

(e)  That the serving of an initial demolition notice, in line with Housing Act processes, in respect of tenants wishing to exercise their ‘Right to Buy’, be approved;

(f)  That the Board’s agreement be given for the site being developed as part of the Housing Growth programme, enabling new Council housing to be built on that site in the future;

(g)  That it be noted that a separate report will follow from the Council Housing Growth Programme, which will detail and request approval for the proposed replacement housing scheme.

To gain approval to permit the commencement of the procurement process to procure a sub-contractor to deliver the Digital Knowledge Exchange, which forms a key component of the Digital Enterprise business support programme.

Decision to approve the commencement of the procurement of a supplier to deliver the Digital Knowledge Exchange service which is delivered on behalf of the Digital Enterprise business support programme.

The Deputy Chief Officer for Waste Management is recommended to approve the extension of the Contract which deals with the council’s street arisings and gully emptyings. The decision is a key decision due to the value >£250k.

The Deputy Chief Officer for Waste Management noted the content of this report and approved the full 2 year extension of the Contract which deals with the council’s street arisings and gully emptyings, securing the arrangements to 30th March 2021.

Value of contract will be £760k per annum and this is to carry out Tarmac and Groundwork on domestic property and civic property.

The Director of Resources and Housing approved, in line with Contract Procedure Rules 3.1.6, a competitive tender process to procure and award contracts for the provision of Tarmac and Groundworks covering Civic (Non-Housing) and Housing works in order to support Leeds Building Service deliver its works programme for a 3 year period with the option to extend for a further 12 months with an estimated sum of £780k per annum.

Permission is sought to undertake a competitive tender exercise to procure a new Children’s Rights & Advocacy Service. 

The Director of Children and Families gave permission to procure a new Children’s Rights and Advocacy Service via competitive tender.  The contract will commence on 1st April 2020 and will expire on 31st March 2023 with two 12 months options to extend. The maximum contract value will be £223,909.

The Director of Children and Families agreed to waive contract procedure rule 15.2 and approve the tender split of 70 % quality and 30% price.

The Chief Digital and Information Officer approved the requests to:
• approve the Direct Award via Crown Commercial Services Technology Products Framework (RM1045) via a Direct Award to provide a route to provide WLR services Virgin Media Business Ltd for a period of 36 months.
• sign the contract prior to July 19th to ensure the contract is in place by the end of the RM1045 Framework which is 26th July 2019.